Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. https://www.worldbank.org.
East Asia and the Pacific (EAP) Region
EAP is a large and diverse region, ranging from Small Island States of the Pacific to the Philippines and China! Despite substantial economic growth and poverty reduction, the EAP region faces huge development challenges. Growth has been uneven across and within countries, institutions still need strengthening, and most countries are heavily affected by climate change. The Bank plays a significant role on global public goods, including climate, biodiversity, water pollution, and health. The COVID pandemic, and more recently food and energy price increases are compounding the impact of the global economic slowdown. The World Bank Group is seen as a premier development institution in the Region, with a leadership role on analytical and advisory services as well as financing.
The Governance Global Practice
The Governance Global Practice (GGP) comprises various professional fields working on public institutions, including procurement, public sector management, governance and anti-corruption, and financial management. GGP convenes a leading group of practitioners focused on advancing pioneering practices and innovations in procurement, anti-corruption, and open government. To enhance its capacity, we seek to recruit a highly organized, energized, and skilled professional capable of operating effectively in the Lao PDR. Procurement management in EAP countries are divided into two units EEAR1 and EEAR2.
Most of the procurement team in EAP is decentralized and based in country offices. Procurement team members supporting the country programs in the Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam constitute EEAR1 unit and are managed by an Accredited Practice Manager (PM) based in Washington DC. The ET Consultant (Procurement Specialist) will report to the Procurement Practice Manager for EEAR1 and will be under the direct oversight and guidance of the Procurement Hub Leader for the Lao PDR.
Country Context Lao PDR
The World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework in the Lao PDR (2023-26) supports the government’s Ninth National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2021-25) and focuses on three main areas: Stabilizing the economy, Improving equity through more jobs and better government services and Protecting natural resources and the environment. The World Bank financed portfolio in Laos includes 26 projects worth $885 Million, as of September, 2023.
The EEAR1 in the Lao PDR is currently staffed by one Senior Procurement Specialist and supported by a Senior Procurement Specialist and a Procurement Specialist (working part-time on cross-country support), and one part-time Consultant. Procurement Hub Coordinator based in Bangkok for Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar provides technical leadership for the team. The Procurement Team: (i) works closely with clients to support the development of their public procurement systems and (ii) ensures that procurement under Bank-financed projects is conducted per loan agreements and fiduciary standards and obligations. For that purpose, the Team provides services to internal and external Clients in the CMU. It is responsible for procurement-related work concerning project preparation, implementation support, and supervision. The team is also responsible for providing procurement input to knowledge products.
Duties and Responsibilities
The ET Consultant (Procurement Specialist) will be based in Vientiane, Lao PDR and will collaborate with the Procurement Team, and the primary duties and accountabilities include a mix of the following actions:
1. Provides technical fiduciary advice on procurement activities and engage in policy dialogue to strengthen procurement systems in the Lao PDR.
2. Supports clients in the Lao PDR in achieving value for money (VFM) in public procurement in order to enhance service delivery and development outcomes with integrity.
3. Understand relevant procurement markets using analytical tools and approaches to define more effective procurement strategies.
4. Participates in missions and plays a key role in developing practical approaches to procurement while simultaneously dealing with difficult policy and operational issues.
5. Prepares and/or comments on draft operational directives and policy papers; produces major/complex reports.
6. Develops and executes training modules on complex sector related procurement topics.
The work implies frequent interaction with the following stakeholders:
- management in the duty station and in some occasions in HQ or other countries;
- government officials and equivalent contacts in other international organizations, partner entities, etc.;
- procurement specialists within the World Bank and government units.
- counterparts in the Bank across VPUs, Global Practices and other units involved in meeting the Bank’s business objectives; and
- other external constituencies and expert groups.
Selection Criteria
1. Master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent qualification relevant to this position.
2. Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, PFM, supply chain, or related field, with a strong focus on data analytics.
3. Proficiency in procurement software and data analytics tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, SAP Ariba).
4. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
5. Excellent oral and written communications skills in English, independently preparing a variety of written outputs and editing technical reports. Knowledge of Lao language will be an advantage.
6. Solid understanding of the concepts, principles, and practices governing international procurement, with the ability to translate concepts into operational work, including but not limited to VFM, sustainable procurement, strategic sourcing, market analysis, contract management, etc.
7. Good understanding of critical linkages and relationships among clients’ business drivers, business operations and objectives and Procurement processes.
8. Good understanding of critical linkages and relationships among clients’ business drivers, business operations and objectives and Procurement processes.
9. Excellent interpersonal skills, flexibility, and ability to work in teams in a multi-cultural environment.
10. Ability to deal sensitively and diplomatically with internal/external contacts at all levels; work independently, prioritizing work, taking initiative, and solving problems; adapt to changing business needs by continuous learning/training.
11. Recognized ability to exercise good judgment and in handling confidential and sensitive information.
12. Demonstrate ability to function under time pressure and handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment of changing priorities, with initiative and resourcefulness.
13. Excellent administrative, organizational skills and attention to details.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
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